Hamilton helmet for Qatar — Photo: © LAT Images

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Hamilton, Vettel, Schumacher praised as LGBTQ+ 'allies' by Racing Pride

The three drivers are all displaying inclusion flags this weekend

Sam Hall

Friday 3 December 2021 13:19 Updated: 13:24

Racing Pride has heaped praise on allies to the LGBTQ+ community in Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Mick Schumacher for their support in Saudi Arabia.

People included face severe persecution in the Kingdom, with Hamilton describing the laws in the country as "terrifying" in his media session on Thursday.

Ahead of the weekend, Hamilton announced he would again drive in the rainbow helmet he debuted at the last race in Qatar.

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Vettel, too, wore his rainbow shoes when facing the media, while Schumacher was dressed in a shirt featuring the silhouette of his face on a rainbow background.

"It's fantastic to see an increasing number of drivers showing their support for the #LGBTQ+ community," wrote Racing Pride on Twitter.

"Thank you Mick Schumacher for wearing a pride bracelet at the Saudi Arabian GP. This is a lovely gesture of solidarity that is very much appreciated."

On Vettel's display, Racing Pride added on Instagram: "Sebastian Vettel is again sporting these fantastic shoes at the Saudi Arabian GP in support of the LGBTQ+ community."

When Hamilton first unveiled his special helmet, one that will be seen at each of the final two weekends of the year, Racing Pride lauded the design as a "powerful gesture".

"We applaud Lewis Hamilton for adding the progress pride flag to his helmet," the group remarked.

"It is a magnificent and powerful gesture of solidarity with our #LGBTQ+ community around the world, made particularly impactful by the discrimination faced by the community in the MENA region, and is very much appreciated.

"Thank you, Lewis, for this great act of allyship."

Vettel supporting women in racing

Women were banned from driving in Saudi Arabia until a law change was implemented in 2018.

Ahead of the weekend, Vettel hosted a karting event exclusively for women and the German will further show his support with a 'Race4Women' helmet design.

Introducing Sebastian's new #RACE4WOMEN helmet, raising awareness and spreading the word about his latest initiative. 💚

What do you think of the latest #SV5 design? pic.twitter.com/8cv1l7waJl
— Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) December 3, 2021